Abortion Services

We offer two options for abortion: Medication Abortion (the Abortion Pill) and Surgical Abortion.

12 weeks or less pregnant

Medication Abortion, Abortion Pill

If you are 12 weeks or less pregnant, you may be eligible to use the Abortion Pill. The Abortion Pill is a combination of two different medicines, Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

How Medication Abortion Works

Our physician will give you the first pill, Mifepristone, at the clinic

A pregnancy needs a hormone called progesterone to grow normally. Mifepristone blocks your body’s own progesterone.

You will use the second medication, Misoprostol, at home 6-48 hours later.

This medicine causes cramping, bleeding, and flu-like symptoms to empty the uterus and feels like a really heavy and crampy period. It is like an early-pregnancy miscarriage. The timing and way you take this medication will depend on how many weeks you are in the pregnancy.

You are required to follow up within 1-2 weeks

This may be an ultrasound in the office, a phone call and a urine pregnancy test, or blood work.

Reasons some people choose a medication abortion:

95% - 98% effective up to 9 weeks; 91% - 93% effective between 9-10 weeks
No shots, anesthesia, or instruments are used, unless there is a complication
Some people prefer the privacy of having an abortion at home
Some people may feel like the process is a more natural way to end a pregnancy
Some people may want to avoid a surgical abortion if possible

Reasons medication abortion may not be right for someone:

Nausea, vomiting, body aches and diarrhea are side effects
Cramping can be severe and may last longer than with a surgical abortion
Bleeding can be very heavy and may last longer than with a surgical abortion
It has a higher chance of failure than surgical abortion (95%-98% effective up to 9 weeks, 91%-93% effective between 9 and 10 weeks)
Requires a bigger time commitment than first-trimester surgical abortions (6-48 hours)
Two or more visits to the clinic may be necessary
It is possible that you may see the pregnancy
tissue depending on how far you are in the pregnancy
You must be 10 weeks or less pregnant

5 and 23.6 weeks in a pregnancy

Surgical Abortion

You can get a Surgical Abortion between 5 and 23.6 weeks in a pregnancy (if you are past 12 weeks, you are required to get a Surgical Abortion).

Reasons some people choose a surgical abortion

Surgical Abortions in the First Trimester (5-14 weeks)

The procedure typically takes 5-8 minutes depending on how far along you are. It can be performed while awake, with Valium, or under conscious or IV sedation. It is an outpatient procedure called a Suction D&C.

What to expect

Abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. We’ll walk you through every step of the way.

Testimonial

“From the moment I called ARHC the staff was extremely sweet and understanding…”

They reassured me that this facility is all about helping people and providing the best possible care. I was scared and apprehensive because I thought abortion would hurt my body, but the staff answered all of my questions thoroughly, without judgment. I was concerned about paying, but the center followed up with me and ensured everything would be taken care of. It was an adventure to get to Pittsburgh – I took a bus, took some taxis, and stayed at a Motel 6. Ran my pockets dry. I’m a college student so it’s hard as it is…I had 51 cents left in my account. I had no idea how I was going to get back to campus, but the staff helped me and made sure I wasn’t stuck or abandoned. Thank you! I greatly appreciate this place and everyone in it!”

– Haley*, 19 *Names have been changed to protect patient privacy

Compassionate Care

ARHC has provided reproductive health care since 1975. The center was first established as an abortion clinic, and through the years we have added gynecological care, prenatal care, contraception services, and STD testing to our offerings. We are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CLIA, and our physicians are board certified and hold unrestricted MD licenses in the state of Pennsylvania. ARHC is accredited by the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and the Abortion Care Network (ACN).

ARHC is committed to delivering fearless healthcare that is imbued with empathy, respect, and nonjudgment. As one of only two abortion clinics in Allegheny County, part of our mission is to destigmatize abortion and provide abortion care to all people seeking it, no matter their situation. You can support this mission by donating to the Western PA Fund for Choice, a local non-profit organization that provides supplemental funding for people who cannot afford their abortions. All proceeds from this fund are used to care for people at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center.